Mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials



Aug. 18, 1931.

K. DAVIS MECHANISM FOR SEPARATING INTERMIXED DIVIDED MATERIALS Original Filed March 25' 1925 5 Sheets-Shee l (n Q r lf QQ Li f I I Il I l/ l! f F.

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MECHANISM FOR SEPARATING. INTERMIXED DIVIDED MATERIALS Original Filed March 25' 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 AWORNEY K. DAVIS Aug. 1s, 1931.

MECHANISM FOR SEPARATING INTERMXED DIVIDED MATERIALS s sheets-shed 3 Original Filed March 25 INVENTOR, Ma

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` arrangements l trative but not restrictive of Patented Aug. 18, 1931 N UNITED 5121111215 11 .TENTA OFFICE;

:KENNETH DAVIS, OF EBENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR, v:BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO PEALE-DAVIS COMPANY, OF WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, A CORPORATION F DELAWARE MEGHANISM FOR SEPARATING INTERMIXED DIVIDED MATERIALS Application filed March 25, 1925, Serial No. 18,112. Renewed October 11, 1930.

same being realizedand attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the constructions, and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings herein referred to and constituting a part hereof serve to illustrate both the process and mechanical principles of the invention, and are illusthe invention. Of the drawings Fig. l is a plan view, partially diagrammatic, of a separating table of a particular shape or form embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation looking at the adjacent side of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a transverse, vertical section, on an enlarged scale, taken on the line 3-.3 of Fia 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view, with parts broken away, of the air box at the left-hand end of Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is a somewhat 'diagrammatic vieW of the table reciprocating mechanism; and Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view similar to Fig. l, showing the preferred air zoning but with the separating partitions omitted.

"l An example of intermixed materials, of

relatively small differences in their specific gravities, and with the particles and pieces varying widely inl size such as are successfully separated by my invention is a mixture of coal, bony, rock, and other impurities, as it comes from the mine. The invention is well adapted for the separation of the intermixed coal, bony and rock,.as they come from the mine, and to effect a veryv thorough separation thereof, without previous sizing, and my invention has been successfully commercially developed in this work.

The term divided is convenientl used to describe material in pieces or particles, the mine mixture just described being an ex ample.

Heretofore, in all attempts to separate coal, bony and rock, and other impurities, it has been necessary to very closely size the materials by screening as a preparation for the separatingl action. A mixture having the range in sizes which I am able to successfully and practically completely separate Without any previous screening or sizing whatsoever, in previous actual operations has been separated into approximately seven to ten sizes by screening before t-he separation of the materials is attempted. As an example of such screening required preparatory to separation by other tables, all sizes above 2 inches were screened out; from 2 inches to 11/2 inchesl were screened as the next size; then from 11/2 inches to 1 inch; from 1 inch to l inch; from 1/2 inch to 1A inch; from l@ inchto 1/8 inch; from 1/8 inch to -l-l, inch; and from inch down were screened out on successive screens.

Each of these sizes is then sent to a different separating table. Thus seven or eight different screens are required and seven or eight separating tables, one for each diiferent size produced by screening, making about fourteen machines or mechanisms in all.

By my invention, I dispense with all of the screening mechanisms of the prior`art and with all but one of the separating tables. I use only a single large separating table, and over this single .table I send the unprepared,

intermixed materials, which priorv to my in- `vention were necessarily sent first overthe set of screening mechanisms, and then over the corresponding separating tables, as described in the preceding paragra h. I am able on this one table to practical y completely separate the coal, rock and bony and other impurities from three inches in dimension of each material down to the finest dust.

, My invention is applied to the separation of a continuous bed of the intermixed, di-

vided materials, such as the unsized mixture of coal, ,bony and rock, t-he bed of materials undergoing separation being supported upon an air-pervious table, through which ablast of air is driven from beneath upwardly" through the bed of material, the table at the same time being moved or reciprocated to mechanically forward the separated heavier element, which has settled upon the table, by friction and inertia toward a place of delivery, the gradation of the force of the .air currents and the table struct-ure cooperating in the novel manner hereinafter set forth to accomplish the desired result'.

The invention provides broadly for feedv ing on the material at a locus which is at'or near the rear end of the separating table, and preferably entirely across this end, at such rate as to build up at the beginning and thereafter to continuously maintain upon the table a bed of materials of substantially uniform thickness, which moves gradually forward over the table. The materials undergo progressive separation as they move forwardly, gradually approaching complete separation, as they progress forwardly and laterally in the bed and upon the table toward places'of delivery for the separated materials, and are completely separated before delivery.

The greatest air action through the bed of materials is in the area circumjacent to the point of feeding on the intermixed materials, the air action decreasing gradually, usually by comparatively small successive zones or areas, both forwardly and outwardly, along and over the table. These gradations in the air force action, or of the air perviosity of the table, as already stated, are

also in a definite relation to the location andv direction of extension of the separating partitions, which are fixed upon'and project upwardly from the face of the table, the air force decreasing transversely outwardly with respect to the separating partitions. In the preferred form, also, the area or zones of varying air action extend forwardly in the general or approximate form of the arrangement of the separating partitions, the air force or action decreasing forwardly along the bed.

The separating partitions are vertical walls located upon and extending upwardly from the face of the table into the mass of materials upon the table and obliquely and transversely to the length ofthe table. The upward air currents and pressure loosen up the mass of material, that is, separates the pieces or particles from close contact Aand pressure together, and also floats or suspends, or impels upwardly,the particles of lighter specific gravity, and due to both of these concurrent influences oractions, the heavier particles settle down upon the` surface of the table behind the separating partitions, whilel the sltion, or impelled or floated thereto, will pass over Vthe tops of the separating partitions, and move along the general path of the travel of the bed of materials along or over the table.

Circumjacent to the place of feeding on the vintermixed materials at the rear end of the table, the relatively more violent action of the air tends to greater separation or loosening up of the particles, and also effects a stronger flotation or upwardly impelling force. 'Ihe result is that the largest pieces of the heaviest material, such as rock settle to rest on the surface of the table behind the separating partitions at this point, all of the coal particles and the lighter 'rock particles being sustained at a suflicient height to pass over the partitions and to participate in the general movement of-the bed of materials forwardly along the table.

The larger pieces of heaviest material, such as rock, which have settled upon the table, due to friction and inertia, slide forwardly along the table, but are guided or directed in their path by the particular separating partition behind which they settle upon the table. It will be thus seen that both a separation, and a different directive action on the materials in so far as already separated, has been established or secured.

Considering the action now behind the next succeeding group of separating partitions, considered forwardly along the table, the air action being slightly decreased, the next larger pieces or next heavier particles of rock or other heavier material, that is, the next decreasing in size, will settle upon the table behind the adjacent separating partitions, andguided by the latter, will be impelled by friction and inertia forwardly along the table, at the same time being directed in their forward progression by the direction or location of the separating partition. Also the coal, and possibly the smaller pieces of rock,

dependent on the intensity of the air action at the particular place or area, will move onward over the tops of the partitions.

Thus by successive stagesthe particles of rock and other impurities, decreasing in size at each stage, will be separated and come to rest upon the table, and will be impelled forwardly on the table by inertia and friction, and be directed by the separating partitions, while the layer of coal in the top of the bed will be continuously subjected to the floating action of the upward air currents andpass over the separating partitions.

In the present preferred embodiment of the invention, the separated rock, and impurities are subjected to an additional final separating and cleaning action just priorto their discharge. passes along the center .of the table and discharges over the front end is caused to pass The stream of rock which` cially practiced my process. It will be unf derstood, however, that my invention is equal'- ly applicable to tables of widely different shapes or forms. i

In this present illustrated exemplary form, the table has an air-pervious deck 1. The means for effect-ing the zoning or different vdegrees of air current force in different areas of the table may be widely varied as found expedient or desirable. For instance, a plurality of air chambers having different pres- .sures may be provided beneath the tablev l. .In this present embodiment, table 1 comprises a plurality of perforated metal plates abut ting at their edges, the different degrees of force of the air currents being effected by variations or differences in the number or sizes of the holes in the plates of the table', or in both.

This table 1 structurally is carried upon a plurality of supporting bars or members 2, which in turn are carried upon a general .frame 3, which may be channel iron and substantially of the contour of the outside of the table, and may have also inner cross supl ports 4, likewise of channel iron.

The rear end 8 of the table'may be of fiat or straight transverse shape, the table extendinglforwardly and outwardly at an angle from t is point as shown at 9 and 10 to a place of greatest width 11, this being a median point, but preferably closer to the rear of the table. Up to this point the rear and side edges of the table are provided with an upwardly-extending wall 12, which serves `f`7` y to retain the bed of material upon the table.

From this point the sides of the table inoline angularly inwardly and forwardly, as shown at 13 and 14, toward and to the for- Ward end of the table. Upon the surface of lthe table are placed a relatively large num- .ber of separating partitionsl 20, which preferably are spaced apart in parallel relation, Aand extend perpendicularly up from the table. The artitions are inclined inwardly Aand forwar 1y, their inner ends terminating ,so a`s to, leave a clear passage 21 along the- .center of the table between the inner ends of the separating partitions, At the side edges ofv the table, there are preferably provided horizontally disposed shelves 22 and 23, just beyond the air pervious deck of the table,

over which shelves the separated coal flows outwardly and is discharged. These shelves .maintain the thickness of the bed up to the edges of the air pervious deck. Any desired form of means 19 may be employed for feeding the intermixed materials onto the bed at `13St and 14a, to the height of the air box at` the front end of the table.

At the forward end of the table is provided an airbox, whereby air is directed inwardly from both sides and thereby throughout the entire mass of rock, or other heavier material, from the sides thereof, and also from above downwardly through the mass of rock, to serve as a final separation for any particles of coal remaining enmeshed in the rock.' In the embodied form thereof apassage 30 for the discharge of the rock is provided, the bottom 31 of which is the table itself or preferably, an imperforate continuation thereof. The passage has also side walls 32 and 33, and a top 34, the bottom 31 being, as stated, preferablyimpervr ous to air, the sides 32 and 33 and the top 34 being air pervious. This structure is surrounded by an outer, air-confining chamber, having a rear wall 35, side walls 36 and 37, a front wall 38, and a top 39, there being an opening in the rear wall 35 which constiwhich may have reached this point. The gate 41 will swing open from time to time as the pressure of the rock accumulates, and permit the rock to flow out. That is, at the forward end ofthe stroke of the table, the inertia of the rock may or will increase the pressure against the gate, and the gate will swing open and a part of the rock will be ejected or permitted to slide out past the gate onto a delivery belt. By reason of the discharge of rock, the airblast backwardly and upwardly through the material will be increased, and will blow .back any stray/pieces of coal or other lighter material out of the mass of rock. There is preferably a gradual increase again in the air pressure upwardly through the bed for a short distance at the forward end of the table in front of the air box4 or place of discharge of the heavier material, as indicated in Fig. l. This ultimate, gradually increas- -ing pressure subjects the mass of separated air force.

strong enough to penetrate and loosen the particles in the mass of rock approaching dischargeand-to float any remaining particles of coal to the surface, Where they are prevented from escaping with the rock and most effectively acted upon by the backward air blast from the air box.

Referring now to the zones of varying air pressure as shown more or less diagrammatically in Fig. l in their general relation to the length and breadth of the table, and in their preferred relation to the separating partitions in the illustrated form or shape of table, the boundaries of the zones are indicated by dotted lines, these sometimes running along or parallel to the separating partitions and sometimes crossing'from one to another. The zones of different air perviosity, or air pressure, are graduated decreasingly from the greatest to the least and are correspondingly indicated by the letters A to F, the letter A indicating the area of greatest air`currents or force, and F the area of least The lines between the different areas or gradations of air force are indicated by letters a-b, corresponding to the letters A to F, already referred to. In certain parts of Fig. l it will be noted that the dotted boundaries of the different air force areas run along beneath the separating partitions. In accordance with one feature of the invention, the areas of varying or gradated air force or action are shaped generally to conform to the direction or position of the .separating partitions along the table. It will be understood, of course, so far as concerns ly defined boundaries between the various air force or air action areas is merely a structural feature, and the gradations of air force may be varied gradually without any specific lines of demarcation between what may be termed units or steps of variation.

In Fig. 5 there is a general showing of one form of means for reciprocating the table and fpr creating an impact at the end of the forward reciprocating stroke of the table, should this be desired. This mechanism may be of any known or suitable form, and need not be described in detail. In this present embodiment, the table 1 has its' general frame 2 and 3 mounted,by means of pairs of pivoted arms 50 and` 51, on suitable supports on the upperedgesof the' side walls of the air chamber 52. A flexible, air-tight canvas connection 53 is placed between the air chamber and table. A spring 54 may be used to cushion and prevent too violent movement of the table. Stops 55 and 56 may be employed, the table striking thereagainst to give the required impact.

The means for reciprocating the table likewise may be of any suitable form. A shaft 58 is suitably journaled and driven, the- 5 shaft having actuating cams 59 thereon. Go-

operating-cam rollers 60 are journaled in supports 51 carried upon the frame of the machine. I

It will be understood that the air gradation arrangements, or air zoning, may be employed independently of the separating partitions. Accordingly, Fig. 6 is the same as Fig. l, excepting that the separating partitions are omitted. The same reference characters are applied thereto as in- Fig. l, and i further detailed description is unnecessary. It is preferable that the zones extend in the same general shape as the table itself, although this in detail may be varied as desired, within the scope of the invention, with different forms of table and to meet` di-ii'erent characteristics and conditions of interi may be necessary by the prior art, without A departing from the principles of the inven- -tion and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What I claim is I l. A mechanism for separating intermixed `theprinciples of the invention that the sharp-divided materials which vary relatively very materials near the rear end of the table tov maintain a bed of materials thereon undergoing progressive separation, said table having means for gradating the force of the air action therethrough decreasingly forwardly along the table away from said feeding means, but also increasingly for a, short distance from the front end of the table, and mcans for longitudinally reciprocating the ta e.

2. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials which vary relatively very greatly in size and relatively very little in specific gravities which comprises an air pervious table, means for feedngthe intermixed materials near the rear end of the table to maintain a bed of materials thereon undergoing progressive separation, said table having means for gradating the force lof the air action therethrough decreasingly forwardly along the table away from said feed-v ing means, but also increasingly for a short distance from the front end of the table, a plurality of separating partitions supported on and projecting upwardly from the sur- `face ofthe table and cooperatingwith the gradations of the air force in progressively separatingthe bed of intermiXed materials, and means for longitudinally reciprocating the table.

3. A mechanism for separating intermiXed divided materials which vary relatively very greatly. in size and relatively very little in specific gravities which comprises an air pervious table, means for feeding the intermixed materials near the rear end of the table to maintain a bed of materials thereon undergoing progressive separation, said table having means for gradating the force of the air action therethrough decreasinfrly forwardly along the table away from said rfeeding means, but also increasingly for a short distance from the front end of the table, a plurality of separating partitions supported on and projectin upwardly from the surface of the table an cooperating with the gradation of the air force in progressively separating the bed of intermiXed materials, the areas of varying air force being shaped generally in the direction of extension of the separating partitions, and means f-or vlongitudinally reciprocating the table.

4. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials which vary relatively very greatly in size and relatively very little in specific gravities which comprises an air pervious table, means for feeding the intermixed materials near the rear end of the table to said table hav`- ing means for nradating' the force of the air Vaction therethrough decreasingly forwardly along the table away from said feeding means, but also increasingly for a short distance from the front end of the table, a plurality of separating partitions supported on and proj ecting upwardly from the surface of the table, and inclined inwardlyv and forwardly from the side of the table, and cooperating with the gradations of the air force in progressively separating the bed of intermixed materials and means for l-ongitudinally reciprocating the table.

5. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials which var relatively veryv greatly in size and rela/tive y very little in specific gravities which comprises an air pervious table, means for feeding theintermiized materials near the rear end of the table to maintain a bed of materials thereon undergoing progressive separation, said table having means for gradating the force cooperating with the gradations of the air force in progressively separatin the bed of intermiXed materials, the areas of varying air force being shaped generally in the direction of extension of the separating partitions, and means for longitudinally reciprocating the table.v f

6. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials which vary relatively very greatlv in size and relatively very little in specific gravities which comprises an air pervious table, means for feeding the intermixed materials near the rear end of the table to maintain a bed of materials thereon undergoing progressive separation, said table having means for gradating the force of the air action therethrough decreasingly forwardly along the table away from said' feeding means, but also increasingly for a short distance from the front end of the table, a plurality of separating partitions supported on and projecting upwardly from 'the surface of the table,4 and inclined inwardly and forwardly from either side of the table and leaving an open unobstructed channel along the center of the table, and cooperating with the gradations of the air force in progressively separating the bed of intermixed materials, and means for longitudinally reciprocating the tablet 7 A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials which vary relatively very greatly in size and relatively very little "in specific gravities which comprises an air pervious table, means forfeedin-g the intermixed materials near the rear end of the table to maintain a bed of materials thereon u dergoing progressive vseparation, said table having means for gra-dating the force e of the air action therethrough.decreasingly forwardly along the table away from said feeding `means, but also increasingly for a short distance from the front end of the table, a plurality of separating partitions` supported on and projecting upwardly from the surface of thetable, and inclined inward-4 ly and forwardly from either side of the table and leaving an open unobstructed channel along the center of the table, and cooperating with the gradations of the air force in progressively separating the bedof intermixed materials, the areas of varying air force being shaped generally in-` the direction of extensionof the separating partitions, and.

mea-ns for longitudinally reciprocating the table. i

' 8. A table for separating unsized'interof the air action therethrough decreasingly mixed divided materials including in combiforwardly along the table away from said nation the table deck, separating .partitions feeding means, but also increasingly for a upon the deck Aforwardly and transversely short distance from the front end of the table, inclined, the deck being divided into zones a lurality of separating partitions supportof dierent'air perviosity` in definite rela-v e on and projecting upwardly from the surtion to the separating partitions and `adaptface of the table, and inclined inwardly and ed to deliver air currents of gradually less forwardly from the side of the table, and intensity forwardly along the table, and hav-- iso 6 i I 1,819,996 l ing an area of ater relative intensity of air action near t e front end of the table.

9. A. mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination an air-pervious table having separating partitions thereon extending forwardl and in` wardly from either side toward t e center line of the table, an unobstructed, central passageway for heavier material extending longitudinally along the table between the ends of the separating partitions, means for reciprocating 'said table, means for passing lifting and loosening air currents therethrough, means for gradating the air action decreasingly forwardly along said central passageway, a device for controlling discharge of heavier material at the front end of said passageway, and means for increasing the air action adjacent said discharge device.

' In testimony whereof, iI have signed my.

name to this specification.

KENNETH DAVIS.

asf 

